Storms can leave more than just roof damage in their wake—they open the floodgates to scams, high-pressure sales tactics, and out-of-state contractors looking to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. In the confusion, it’s easy to sign something too fast or trust the wrong people. This article will walk you through how to avoid roofing scams after a storm, giving you the tools to make confident, informed decisions when your home and insurance policy are on the line.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing how to avoid roofing scams after a storm starts with spotting red flags like deductible fraud, high-pressure sales, and out-of-state contractors offering deals that sound too good to be true.
- Always ask to see the Oklahoma CIB orange card, which verifies that the contractor is legally licensed to operate in the state—then cross-check it online for good standing.
- Manufacturer certifications, BBB accreditation, and local references add additional layers of trust that unlicensed or fly-by-night roofers can’t fake.
- Do not file an insurance claim until you’ve had a qualified inspection by someone trained in storm damage assessment—not a sales rep pushing for a quick contract.
- McRoof reviews insurance policies with clients before advising them to file, helping homeowners understand deductibles, ACV vs. RCV coverage, and potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Filing a claim too soon or without justification can result in zero payout and a negative insurance record, which may affect future rates or coverage options.
- Wind damage rarely meets most deductibles, so it’s important to get a repair estimate first and compare it with your policy before taking any action.
- McRoof provides protective tools like front door notices, credential checklists, and drone inspections to help homeowners make confident, scam-free decisions after a storm.
Common Roofing Scams to Watch For
After a storm, it’s not unusual to see roofing trucks roll into town—but not all of them are trustworthy. Some contractors, especially those with no local presence or proper credentials, rely on pressure, deception, and speed to lock homeowners into deals before they’ve had a chance to evaluate the damage or review their insurance.
Scam Tactics That Homeowners Should Know
| Scam Tactic | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Deductible fraud | Contractor offers to “cover” or waive your deductible—it’s illegal in Oklahoma |
| High-pressure sales pitch | “You have to sign today or risk more damage” |
| False urgency | Claiming you’ll miss your insurance window without verifying the situation |
| Free extras or bribes | Promises of gift cards, TVs, or other offers to get you to sign quickly |
| Fake or expired credentials | Claims of licensing without showing a valid CIB orange card |
| Upfront payments before material delivery | Asking for a large deposit without proof of materials being ordered or delivered |
These bad actors prey on uncertainty. And unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize they’ve been scammed until the warranty is voided, the roof fails, or the contractor disappears.
Why the Industry Struggles After a Storm
Storm events bring in an influx of unfamiliar roofing companies, many of which operate from out of state. In one recent hailstorm in Oklahoma, license plate after license plate appeared in local neighborhoods—attached to company names no one had ever heard of before.
This post-storm flood of “pop-up roofers” is what gives the entire industry a bad reputation. That’s why McRoof urges homeowners to slow down, verify credentials, and work with established professionals committed to long-term service.
How to Verify Contractor Credentials
The first and most important defense against post-storm scams is knowing who you’re dealing with. A legitimate contractor in Oklahoma must carry a valid roofing license issued by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). That license includes what’s called the “orange card”—and every legitimate roofer should carry it.
What to Look for on the CIB Orange Card
| Orange Card Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Contractor’s name | Must match the company name listed on vehicles and business documents |
| Designated individual’s name | Confirms who is legally accountable for the company’s work |
| Expiration date | Ensures the license is currently valid |
💡 Pro Tip: Ask to see the orange card and then verify it online. Go to https://cib.ok.gov, click on “Verify a License,” and search by name or license number.
Go Beyond Licensing: Check for These Too
Licensing is step one, but credible contractors bring much more to the table. Ask about:
- Manufacturer certifications (e.g., CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator)
- BBB accreditation and rating
- Local references from jobs completed in your area
- Subcontractor training records, if crews are not direct employees
- Insurance documentation including liability and workers’ comp
Quick Credential Checklist
| Credential | What It Proves |
|---|---|
| CIB Orange Card | Licensed to operate in Oklahoma |
| Manufacturer Certification | Trained in proper system installation |
| BBB Accreditation | Verified business with dispute resolution history |
| Local References | Established reputation and successful projects in your area |
| Proof of Insurance | Covers you in case of job site accidents or damages |
Avoiding roofing scams after a storm starts with asking the right questions—and not being afraid to walk away from anyone who can’t provide clear, verifiable answers.
When and How to File an Insurance Claim
After a storm, many roofing contractors rush homeowners to file a claim immediately—often before a proper inspection has taken place. This tactic might serve the contractor’s interest, but it can backfire on the homeowner in a big way.
Why You Shouldn’t Rush to File
Filing an insurance claim without understanding your policy or damage scope can lead to zero payouts and unwanted claim history. Even if the insurance company denies payment, the claim still goes on your record—potentially affecting your premiums or insurability in the future.
The Risks of Premature Claims
| Scenario | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Claim filed for minor damage below deductible | Claim denial with no payout, but it still appears on your record |
| Claim filed under ACV policy without full context | Homeowner receives depreciated value, stuck paying large out-of-pocket |
| Claim filed for non-covered event (e.g., wind) | Denial, frustration, and wasted time |
Always Get a Qualified Inspection First
A roofing salesman is not a qualified inspector. Before you file a claim, have a credentialed roof inspector review your home and verify storm-related damage. A Haag-certified or manufacturer-trained inspector will know the difference between:
- Cosmetic damage and functional damage
- Wind-related damage vs. wear and tear
- Old hail damage and new impact evidence
Understand Your Policy Before You Act
McRoof’s team doesn’t recommend filing a claim until we’ve reviewed your insurance contract with you. Key questions we ask include:
- Do you have a replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV) policy?
- Is your deductible $1,000—or $15,000?
- Do you have ordinance or law coverage to cover code-required upgrades?
Storm damage alone doesn’t make a claim worthwhile. It takes smart evaluation, honest guidance, and careful review to protect your home and your financial future.
What McRoof Recommends After a Storm
While other contractors rush to knock on doors and push claims, McRoof believes in helping homeowners make informed, pressure-free decisions. We’ve seen too many people regret fast decisions made in the aftermath of a disaster. That’s why our approach is built around education, protection, and community support.
Our Step-by-Step Recommendation
| Step | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Wait 48 hours | Let the situation settle and avoid high-pressure sales tactics |
| Request a qualified inspection | Schedule a Haag-certified or manufacturer-trained inspector to assess real damage |
| Compare findings to your policy | Work with someone who will help you understand your deductible, exclusions, and limits |
| Get a repair estimate first | Avoid filing claims if damage is below your deductible or non-covered |
| Call your insurance agent | Use the inspection data to determine if filing a claim makes sense |
Tools McRoof Provides to Protect Clients
- Front door flyers that say “McRoof’s Got Me Covered” to stop door knockers
- Free insurance policy reviews before recommending a claim
- Downloadable credential checklists so you can vet any roofer who approaches you
- Drone-assisted inspections to reach difficult or dangerous areas safely and accurately
- Referrals to trusted agents and local repair professionals when claims aren’t necessary
Storm Restoration Backed by Integrity
At McRoof, we’re not just in the roofing business—we’re in the reputation protection business. We’ve worked with homeowners, insurance agents, and municipalities across Oklahoma for over 16 years, always putting people before profits.
Storms are stressful. Your roofer shouldn’t make it worse. Let our team help you restore with confidence, not confusion.
Storm recovery should never feel like a gamble—but when scammers flood your neighborhood after a storm, it often does. From fake credentials to deductible fraud, the tactics are designed to trap homeowners into bad decisions under pressure.
That’s why McRoof exists—to bring clarity, integrity, and protection when you need it most. Our team of credentialed experts provides free, honest inspections, helps you understand your policy, and ensures you don’t get rushed into a mistake.
Don’t get scammed. Get protected. Visit https://mcroof.us or contact us directly to schedule your free inspection today—and find out what true peace of mind feels like after a storm.